Chapter 117

After showcasing hand sanitizer and essential oils and receiving much amazement, Cyrus presented her third research achievement— Vodka.

Following the popularity of essential oils among aristocratic ladies, this wine instantly captured the interest and attention of all men.

Vodka is a type of distilled spirit.

In earlier historical periods, it was used as a medicine in medical procedures and had great value in treating various diseases.

[I highly recommend this app, it's really good for tracking books. You can download it here and give it a try.]

Vodka should not be consumed straight, as it can cause discomfort.

Before Cyrus could finish speaking, a nobleman scoffed, "It's just a kind of wine, what effect could it have on the body?"

This nobleman was a heavy drinker; he would feel uncomfortable if he didn't drink for a day.

He also has a very high alcohol tolerance; he never gets drunk first when drinking with others, which he is particularly proud of.

Cyrus said, "Drinking too much Vodka can cause numbness in the lips, a burning sensation in the throat as if it's on fire, and severe stomach pain..."

"In mild cases, it can cause a burning sensation in the throat and loss of voice; in severe cases, it can be life-threatening and even lead to death."

After he finished speaking, the nobleman scoffed with a disdainful expression, clearly unconvinced.

Cyrus smiled and poured a small glass of Vodka: "Would you like to try some?"

Through the gap in the curtain, Segalot glimpsed Cyrus's rosy, flower-like lips curving slightly upwards, her caramel-colored eyes sparkling, her expression clearly mischievous.

The fact that he could say that means this wine is indeed extraordinary.

But the nobleman who disdained this did not notice at all.

Instead, he didn't seem to care at all and drank the small glass of wine that Cyrus had poured in one gulp. After smacking his lips and tasting it, he instinctively felt it was good, so he asked Cyrus to pour him another glass.

Cyrus did as instructed.

Then, he handed the middle-aged nobleman a second glass of Vodka, which was over 90 proof.

The middle-aged nobleman downed the rest in one gulp, and then things took a turn for the worse.

The first sip was probably taken too quickly, and my brain, throat, and stomach didn't have time to react.

By the time the middle-aged nobleman received the second cup from Cyrus, he was already beginning to feel slightly dizzy...

However, his sluggish thinking led him to subconsciously take the wine and, out of habit, gulp it down.

Instantly, a burning sensation shot from my stomach straight up to my throat... burning and numbing my throat, burning my face bright red...

He felt as if he had been punched hard in the stomach, and then he curled up in pain and collapsed to the ground from the chair.

This startled those nearby, who also stood up in alarm.

Cyrus ordered his servants to pour the honey water he had prepared into the nobleman's mouth. One cup, two cups... a lot of honey water spilled from the nobleman's mouth, soaking the expensive collar of his clothes, making him sticky and disheveled.

But the nobleman's complexion had improved considerably, clearly indicating that his condition had eased.

Although his body was no longer curled up and the pain of drunkenness had subsided, the nobleman still did not wake up. Instead, he closed his eyes tightly, his face flushed, and began to snore...

The person next to him stared at the glass with a little wine left, looking puzzled.

He was drunk after just two cups?!

Staying here lying on the ground like this isn't a solution.

So the eldest prince, Warner, decided to let the nobleman leave the auction house—but the nobleman was too obese, and his servants couldn't lift him.

Therefore, the eldest prince arranged for two knights to help move the nobleman away, and after some time, the matter was finally resolved.

Through this incident, everyone came to understand the power of this spirit called Vodka.

Someone asked, "Since it can't be drunk directly, how is this wine consumed?"

Cyrus: "Vodka is very versatile and compatible."

"Its biggest characteristic is its purity, making it suitable as a base spirit for blending various different flavored drinks. You can add beer, juice, wine, etc."

As she spoke, Cyrus poured the potion syrup that Chipman had just ordered to be distributed into half a glass of Vodka, then raised her glass and asked who wanted to try it.

Finally, the glass of wine reached His Majesty King Gena Kozmo of the Bovell Kingdom.

He downed the liquor mixed with the medicinal syrup in one gulp, his throat bobbing, then he opened his eyes slightly and said, "I'd like to taste some of the original liquor directly."

Cyrus gave him a little bit.

After finishing his drink, Gena's face gradually turned rosy. He loosened his collar slightly, exhaling warm breath, and was visibly slightly tipsy.

Other nobles, who might have had leftover potion syrup, asked Cyrus for some Vodka to mix with it and taste it. The novel flavor caused their expressions to constantly change.

This only fueled the curiosity of those who hadn't tasted it.

"Good wine," Gena said.

He twirled a small wine glass in his hand and said, "I wonder if, after the exchange meeting, the lord would be interested in discussing the sale of this Vodka with the Bovell Kingdom?"

"The Bovell Kingdom wants to make Vodka its national drink."

Gena made no attempt to hide his fondness for this wine.

He savored the boiling sensation rising from his stomach—a sensation sour, slightly intoxicating, and warming all over his body...

This wine is perfect for the people of the Bovell Kingdom, who live in the Far North.

"That depends on whether His Majesty can afford the price," Cyrus said with a smile.

The auction was not the place for conversation, so the two exchanged a glance and then left the topic unresolved.

Some nobles also began to have their own ideas.

--It must be said, Desinia has a lot of good stuff in its hands.

Thomas, the Grand Master of the Ed Merchant Guild, frowned and glanced subtly at Archibald Cavendish.

This prince is also the leader of the Nagabi Merchant Guild, and the Thorn Merchant Guild and the Nagabi Merchant Guild have a long-standing cooperative relationship...

The Lord of Desinia brought out these items again at today's exchange meeting...

He feared that the Ed Merchant Guild would eventually face a crisis under the combined pressure from both sides... He had to think of a solution.

With everyone preoccupied with their own thoughts, Cyrus presented her fourth research finding—a bottle of purplish-black liquid.

He said, "This is a disinfectant and antiseptic used to treat external injuries; it's called Iodophor."

Cyrus surveyed the audience and solemnly declared, "Here, I present an argument—bacteria."

"Bacteria are the pathogens of many diseases. One of the causes of illness is bacterial infection, which is when harmful bacteria enter the body and cause diseases such as headaches, fever, or even abdominal pain."

"And when there are external injuries, wound infections are also caused by bacteria..."

"Furthermore, when people come into contact with it, or when insects bite..."

"That's impossible!"

Before she could finish speaking, a doctor immediately stood up from his seat and interrupted Cyrus.

The man cried out, "Our illness is caused by the fear spread by the devil, a punishment from the Creator God! Those who are sick are sinful; they must pray sincerely and seek healing through sacred objects!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?!"

"Yeah, what is that?! I've never even heard of it!" someone chimed in.

Some nobles sat back in their chairs, watching the spectacle unfold.

The man spoke with great anger, saying that only the Creator God could stop the diseases and fears spread by the devil, and that doctors could only treat patients with the help of the Creator God.

Some people clearly agreed with him.

Among them was the alchemist who developed the "Universal Antidote".

Cyrus asked casually, "Then may I ask, sir, how many patients have you cured with the help of the Creator God?"

One sentence rendered the man speechless, as if his throat had been choked.

After a long pause, he said, "Those who die from disease did not have a devout heart towards the Creator God... God will not protect them..."

Cyrus: "When you are sick, do you want to live or die?"

"Of course I want to live." The man had a look on his face as if he were asking a pointless question.

"Yes, I don't think anyone wants to die, so how could they pray to the Creator God with a less-than-devout heart when they have a strong desire to live?"

"Diseases are never brought by the devil, and we shouldn't treat everyone like fools," said Cyrus.

"You can't cure diseases!"

"Without the herbal remedies and ointments I developed, without these medicines, you would still be treating patients with bloodletting, inducing vomiting, branding wounds with hot irons, craniotomies, and even amputations..."

"Oh, I misspoke. This isn't treatment; it's torture."

"You are the devils in a certain respect!"

He continued, amidst the angry stares and indignant expressions of some people. "Rubbing salt into a patient's wound, scooping out the bone marrow from someone with a knee injury, cutting off a leg that was just an abscess... You are not treating patients, you are killing them with cruel methods!"

"No, we are not..."

Some doctors tried to refute this, but their faces turned pale.

Because they recalled that, apart from relying on the medicines sold by the Thorn Merchant Guild for treatment, those who were treated using other methods truly...

Cyrus stopped paying attention to these rigid thinkers.

It's hard to say for sure at this point.

He stated, "Bacteria are microorganisms invisible to the naked eye, but they can be seen with the aid of an instrument; this is a confirmed fact."

"During the brewing process, some wines may turn sour, and milk may also turn sour if stored for a long time... These are all caused by spoilage due to the growth of microorganisms."

"This is why we shouldn't let spoiled food enter our bodies, as it can cause abdominal pain, illness, and so on..."

He understood that most people would likely not understand what he was saying.

But that doesn't matter; all he wants is to leave an impression.

Cyrus picked up the purplish-black liquid and explained, "The purpose of Iodophor is to disinfect, reduce bacteria, prevent diseases, and treat external wounds such as burns, abrasions, and cuts."

"This is a topical medication. It cannot be taken orally."

"Vodka can be used as a disinfectant and wound cleaner after processing, but it is highly irritating and not recommended..."

"These achievements are not the result of my research institute alone, but the result of everyone's efforts."

Cyrus pointed to the alchemists he had brought.

He named each alchemist, explaining their role in each research project, highlighting how their individual duties and collaborative efforts led to the four research outcomes...

The research process for Iodophor, in particular, was not easy.

Because Cyrus first needs to make them understand the existence of bacteria, how bacteria cause disease, and that Iodophor has a disinfecting effect... Without understanding this principle, it's impossible to understand the research.

In the process, a considerable amount of specialized research equipment was developed.

For example, the microscopes used to observe bacteria, though relatively rudimentary, were sufficient for them to observe the existence of microorganisms, thus overturning common misconceptions.

He spoke about the importance of hygiene and understanding disinfection for everyone.

If disinfection is carried out promptly and correctly, the transmission route of germs can be cut off.

For example, breathing, sneezing, and coughing can transmit diseases to others through droplets and dust. When necessary, spatial isolation is required to interrupt the spread of infection...

Some people thought he was talking nonsense and disrespecting the glory of the Creator God. They interrupted Cyrus's speech many times, clamoring for him to step down, and were very rude to him.

Cyrus ignored her.

A cold look or a rebuke from Orville or Archibald is enough to make these people sweat profusely and stay quietly in their seats, no longer uttering ignorant words.

Cyrus: "The difference between a wise person and a fool is that a wise person knows to see for themselves and not to believe what they hear, and will only speak, agree or disagree with my point of view, after verifying and confirming it."

"Fools take things for granted; they like to think they're right or to be self-righteous."

He glanced at the thoughtful alchemists and healers and said, "I will only speak of it personally once it is confirmed. If you wish to learn more... you may wish to travel to the Desinia Territory yourself."

"The Alchemy Tower welcomes you to join us at any time."

After the meeting, Cyrus, without speaking to Orville or Archibald, immediately ordered Ferdinand and Walker to act according to the list of names...

To his delight, shortly after he returned to the Sheri Hall, Judas received a message from his servant that the alchemists Yinke Ken and Feilifu Kiel had come to visit.